Public Libraries and Prince William County Juvenile Detention Center Collaborate on Introducing Life Skills, Self-Improvement

Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) has been awarded a grant that will fund the extension and enhancement of library services to the Prince William County Juvenile Detention Center (JDC). This new grant allows for those in the Juvenile Detention Center to learn new skills and gain knowledge to help them when they leave the center.  

In spring 2022, PWPL offered job training workshops to the JDC. Participants learned about vocational career options, including electrical, plumbing, and towing, best practices on how to apply to trade schools and other job opportunities, and how to start and run a business. In addition, they improved their communication skills, explored online classes and on-the-job training opportunities, and learned how to start a career as a contractor.

Students also received books on habits to transform one’s business, relationships, and life. Other resources were introduced for them to learn how to sell products and services, soft skills to help accelerate career growth, and tips on silencing one’s inner critic and focusing on the strengths.

"Our students have greatly benefited from the library's intervention with career and self-exploration skills training. The students were taught how to be goal oriented and tap into their strengths, skills, and talents to put their best foot forward when applying for jobs when they leave the detention setting,” said a JDC Literacy Coach. “They also gained much-needed professional contacts to help them gain employment.”

PWPL also purchased specific job-related books to help these students gain more knowledge in the professional fields that they would like to pursue.

“What a wonderful resource the public library has provided by reaching out to the detention center and assessing our students' vocational needs for when they return to the community. I hope the library can continue to partner with the detention center and connect these community resources to these students who would benefit so much from the support,” said JDC Literacy Coach.

PWPL and JDC plan to continue these workshops in the fall. This initiative was made possible by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation's 2021 Youth Literacy Grant.